Itinerary

Day 1:
Meet in downtown Halifax at 13:00 or the airport at 13:30, for a 4½ hours transfer to Louisbourg. If you prefer to avoid the drive, you can fly into Sydney, only 30 minutes away by taxi. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Note: Self-guided trips include breakfast)
Louisbourg Harbour Inn; or
Cranberry Cove Inn, Louisbourg

Day 2: Paddling Louisbourg Harbour or Scatarie Island Wilderness Area.
Scatarie Island has a long and rich history as a fishing settlement, and local ties to the area run very deep. There are a few summer homes, but the coast is very rugged and interesting, and is a superb paddling destination. Louisbourg Harbour is the best vantage point for the spectacular façade the fortress presents to the sea. Combined with the rugged coast, this is a special paddling experience. It is rare that we can do both, but each provide highlights, and the choice is made based on weather and group abilities. BL
Louisbourg Harbour Inn; or
Cranberry Cove Inn, Louisbourg

Day 3: Short bike ride to visit Louisbourg, and afternoon hike on the Lighthouse Trail. Optional  56km ride to Main-a-Dieu and back.
Spend the morning discovering the French fortress of Louisbourg. The original fortress, constructed mainly between 1720 and 1740, was one of the most extensive (and expensive) European fortifications constructed in North America. Today it is an 18th-century adventure nestled on the edge of the sea - a place where muskets and mortars, women in hoop skirts and men in wigs, town criers and the 'iron collar' are a part of re-enacted everyday life. After a period meal, this afternoon’s hike will take you along the coast on the Lighthouse Trail, unless you prefer an independent ride along the coast to Baleine, Gooseberry Cove, and Main-a-Dieu. The population of Main-a-Dieu is 240, and there is a fascinating fisheries museum. You may also learn about myriad shipwrecks – victims of the beautifully rugged coast. The hike takes you to one of the most beautifully preserved and spectacular lighthouses on the East Coast of North America. You will see why it exists! BLD
Louisbourg Harbour Inn; or
Cranberry Cove Inn, Louisbourg

Day 4: Cycling, optional distances: 48km Louisbourg to East Bay, 48km East Bay to Iona, 25km to Little Narrows, then 42km to Mabou; total up to 160km/100 miles.  Recommended route 73km
A beautifully long and quiet ride across Cape Breton today, starting at Louisbourg, and skirting the Bras d’Or Lakes from a beautiful sandbar at East Bay, through Nova Scotia’s largest Mi'kmaq community at Eskasoni, across the bridge at Grand Narrows and to the ferry at Little Narrows. Stop at the Nova Scotia Highland Village to learn about Scottish heritage, and finish in Mabou. BLD
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou

Day 5: Paddling 4-6 hours from Mabou Harbour
This is a beautiful inlet, leading to coastal scenery rivalling Scotland’s, with gorgeous hillside meadows tumbling down hillsides toward the sea. We look forward to showing you the beauty. BL
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou

Day 6: Cycling approximately 80km/50 miles
This is one of our favourite rides. For simple, idyllic beauty, and quiet rural roads with beautiful views, this is superb. Near the end of the day, you will be able to stop for a visit at the first single malt distillery outside Scotland. Even if you eschew the opportunity to taste, you will enjoy the setting at the foot of the Mabou hills, straddling a stream whose waters become, with the distillers’ art, the golden liquid that puts this place on the map. Enjoy some traditional Cape Breton music this evening after a final dinner together. BLD
Duncreigan Country Inn, Mabou

Day 7: Hiking up to 15km
Just wait ‘til you see this hike! Cut into the edge of a hill that tumbles all the way to the sea, the path along Sight Point or the Skyline Trail will leave you giddy with excitement, and maybe vertigo. This is the part of Nova Scotia that most reminds us of its namesake: Scotland. You may even see some sheep illustrating the area’s heritage. In any case, you will be amazed at the expansive sea views as you explore this and other trails on a good day of hiking. Transfer back to Halifax at day’s end; 3½ hours. Arrive by 19:00.  BL

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